Factors contributing to lower prices include predictions of warmer temperatures in regions east of the Rocky Mountains compared with last year and higher inventory levels.

Emak USA evolved from the merger of the Italian companies Oleo-Mac and Efco in 1992. Today, it's a wholly owned subsidiary of Emak S.p.A., which is the third largest provider of outdoor power equipment to the European market. We came to the U.S. more than 35 years ago and originally distributed products under the Oleo-Mac brand. Our U.S. line today is branded as both Efco and Emak.

U.S. consumers accelerated their spending in July but income growth remained sluggish, a sign the economic recovery remains fragile.